Not that long ago Ron DeSantis held a news conference in which he called the critical race theory “crap!”
This "Crap", Critical race theory is a way of thinking about America’s history through the lens of racism. It was developed during the 1970s and 1980s in response to what scholars viewed as a lack of racial progress following the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. Therefore, I say, "Black Lives Don't Matter." This is my podcast.
Here are some FACTS about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: he has implemented a range of policies that critics argue disproportionately harm Black, Latinx, and other marginalized communities. Below is a summary of key actions:
### **Policies Affecting Black Communities**
1. **Voting Rights Suppression**: DeSantis weakened the political power of Black voters by redrawing legislative districts to dilute their representation during the 2021–2022 redistricting process.
2. **Censorship of Black History**: His administration pushed to remove Advanced Placement African-American studies courses and restricted discussions on race and inequality through the "Stop WOKE Act". These measures have been described as attempts to erase Black history and limit understanding of systemic racism.
3. **Elimination of Diversity Programs**: Senate Bill 266 prohibits colleges from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, further marginalizing Black students and faculty.
4. **Targeting Black Organizations**: Proposed legislation initially threatened Black fraternities and sororities, signaling hostility toward institutions that support Black communities.
5. **Removal of Black Leaders**: DeSantis removed Florida's only Black woman state prosecutor from office, replacing her with an ally, which critics viewed as a deliberate act to diminish Black leadership.
### **Impact on Latinx and Immigrant Communities**
1. **Immigration Crackdowns**: DeSantis signed SB 1718, which imposes severe restrictions on undocumented immigrants, including barring them from using driver’s licenses issued by other states and requiring hospitals to report patients' immigration status. These policies have created fear in immigrant communities and are expected to harm Florida's economy by driving migrant workers out of the state.
2. **Migrant Relocation Program**: The governor allocated $12 million for transporting undocumented immigrants to Democratic-led states without adequate resources like housing or jobs.
### **Reproductive Rights**
1. **Abortion Ban**: DeSantis signed one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans, prohibiting most abortions after six weeks. This policy disproportionately affects marginalized women, particularly Black women, who face higher maternal mortality rates.
### **Economic and Social Policies**
1. **Workplace Diversity Restrictions**: Under the "Individual Freedom Act," employers face liability for diversity training programs that address systemic racism or privilege. Critics argue this suppresses meaningful workplace discussions on equity.
2. **Land Ownership Ban for Chinese Nationals**: Legislation banning Chinese citizens from owning land in Florida has raised concerns about racial profiling against non-white residents.
### **General Hostility Toward Marginalized Groups**
1. **Anti-LGBTQ+ Measures**: DeSantis signed laws restricting discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools ("Don't Say Gay" bill), which also impact intersectional identities within marginalized groups.
2. **Cultural Erasure**: The administration has been accused of fostering an environment hostile to diversity by restricting DEI programs and censoring educational content related to systemic oppression.
These policies collectively reflect a governance approach that critics argue undermines the rights, representation, and well-being of marginalized communities in Florida.
